(eng) Joshua Dalzelle - Black Fleet 02 by Call to Arms

Author:Call to Arms [Arms, Call to]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

The DeLonges star system was a Holy Grail find when humans first began mapping the space around them using Alpha Centauri as an epicenter. Established by the New America enclave, and named for a long-forgotten nineteenth century explorer, the system boasted two planets of similar size and climate capable of sustaining human life: DeLonges and New Sierra. It also had two dense asteroid belts rife with the raw materials needed for starship construction, most notably iron ore.

It was the often overlooked planet of DeLonges that was causing Jackson Wolfe so much trouble. All his planning had assumed Fourth Fleet would mass their forces as close to the shipyards as they could. After all, that’s what he would do. Since they were flying into the system from above the ecliptic, he never considered the fact that his counterpart commanding the Fourth Fleet elements would also try a bit of misdirection.

“It looks like the new arrivals were maintaining a heliosynchronous orbit on the far side of DeLonges,” Barrett said as his tactical plots updated. “They were stacked up to offer a minimal profile from the direction of the Haven jump point and using the planet to shield them.”

“In other words, they knew exactly where we’d be coming from,” Davis said.

“Let’s all calm down,” Jackson said sternly. “It wouldn’t take a tactical genius to know that any force CENTCOM sent was most likely going to deploy from Haven. The mission is still a go, so let’s analyze and adapt. Have we been able to resolve the new ships?”

“Yes, sir,” Barrett said. “Two fleet carriers, four missile cruisers, and five long-haul replenishing ships. I’ll have class designators and ship registries shortly.”

“Five cargo haulers,” Jackson drummed his fingers on the armrest in a rapid staccato. “So their strategy relies on bluffing us with numbers along with the element of surprise by making it look like we’ve flown into a trap. Tactical, begin tracking all ships and broadcasting the data to both troop pods and the Icarus. Let’s not show our hand until we’re sure what they know. The carriers and cargo ships are no threat, but four missile cruisers can cause us some trouble depending on what they’re carrying.”

“New message coming in, sir,” Keller said. “Text only. It’s just repeating the previous order.”

“So let’s send our response,” Jackson said. “Sound general quarters, set condition 1SS, and prepare the Ares for battle. Tactical, I want continuous full power sweeps of the system, and don’t bother trying to disguise your targeting scans. Nav! Plot me a course further down into the system that puts us in between the two Fourth Fleet forces. Helm, you’re clear to engage on the new course, ahead three quarters.”

“Ahead three quarters, aye.”

“More misdirection, sir?” Davis said.

Normally Jackson would be beyond irritated with an XO that asked so many questions, but moving Lieutenant Davis to this position had been his decision, and with as little command experience as she had telling her to sit quietly wouldn’t bring her up to speed any faster.

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